Within The Shadows

by Julieanne Lynch

  I gave him the same puzzled look I’d worn since I had awoken.

  “Okay. When I bit you, I drank from you, and whilst doing the deed, I kind of tainted your blood with my venom. Not enough to kill you, but enough to kick-start a change. Kind of like a metamorphosis, if you like. You know, a mutation of your DNA.”

  “Right, so I’m not dead. I’m still human, only kinda like a mutant? That figures!”

  He laughed at me. “Yeah, a mutant, only you need blood and certain life forces to sustain you.”

  He arched his right eyebrow, and gave me that million dollar smile of his. I was such a sucker for that smile.

  “Life forces?” I prodded, puzzled.

  “You will need the life force of humans to survive. You will drink their souls.”

  “Oh, my God!” I cried.

  “Giselle . . .” he started, only to have me cut him off.

  “Will I ever see my family again?” I felt heartbroken, thinking about my erratic, but loveable, mother.

  “You can see them, but from a distance. It would be too dangerous for them.”

  “But if I’m not like you, then how can I be a danger to them?”

  “It is not you who would be any threat to them, but rather the rogue vampires hunting you, amongst other things.”

  “What?” I sputtered with disbelief.

  “You are going to be hot property, Giselle. In order for us to keep you safe, I’m afraid all contact with the outside world will have to cease until after you have been consecrated.”

  “But they’ll be worried! You know what Mom is like. She’ll probably have the FBI searching for me right now. God, what if they’re freaking out?” I cried before his words sunk in. “Consecrated?”

  Alex held my hand. “Look at me. All has been taken care of. You left town to pull yourself together after being deceived by Marc. You’ll keep in contact via the phone, and you’ll call in every week or so. You’ve reassured them you won’t do anything crazy, and the consecration thing is a simple blessing done by the elders.”

  “It seems like every angle has been covered, except I feel kinda left out. I’m the one who’s expected to just take all of this on the chin, and accept it for what it is. It’s so unfair, Alex. You should have been honest with me from the beginning. Marc’s deception hasn’t got a thing on yours!”

  Pushing him away, I walked back towards the path, feeling completely destroyed. I wished I would wake up from this nightmare that was now my so called ‘life.’ I wanted to look back, but my stubbornness refused to let me give in to my newly forged bond.

  * * *

  The moon was partially covered by lingering clouds that seemed to follow me. I walked the length of the path to a clearing, and entered a small courtyard. Up until then, I had not taken notice of my surroundings, and realised I was no longer in Minnesota. The sweet scent of the blossoms hit my nose. For the first time ever, I inhaled the delicious fragrance, and absorbed its beauty. My senses were now much more acute.

  Opening my eyes, I saw a beautiful woman approaching me. Her long red hair blew effortlessly in the still of the night. Her eyes were deep red, her lips full, and her complexion whiter than snow.

  “Giselle Bergman, it is an honour and a privilege to meet you,” she said as she held out her arms to me.

  I had no clue who she was, but I felt obligated to allow her to embrace me.

  “The night is our time, the time for understanding, chimera, and meditation. The darkness we see now covers the earth. Our hearts are whole. Now, the night is ours,” she sang in my ear.

  Whatever she said was way above my head, and I just smiled in confused appreciation.

  She laughed as she let go of me, raising her hands up in the air. “Giselle, there is no need to be afraid. I am Alexander’s nevlastná matka, or step-mother, Atarah.” She laughed as she watched my every move.

  “Oh, hi,” I muttered awkwardly.

  Alex had not once mentioned her, only his father, Leo. How stupid I felt.

  “Walk with me, child.”

  “I’m sorry if I seem rude, but tonight has been kind of surreal.”

  “But, of course. You have undergone some magnificent, but all the same, terrifying changes. I would not expect you to feel anything other than scared. It’s natural, but rest assured you are with those who have your best interests at heart.” She spoke softly, calming the nerves that had knotted in the pits of my stomach.

  The noticeable burning began in the back of my throat, and instantly, I yearned for blood. I became agitated, and I was pretty sure my face said it all.

  “Giselle, are you all right?”

  “I don’t know,” I panicked. “I don’t know what’s happening to me.”

  Suddenly, I was out cold, lying on the bitter frosty ground. I was unconscious for but a moment, yet Alex was soon by my side.

  I felt so weak, and unsure of my feelings. I wanted to wake up from the madness of this nightmare. Something deep within tried to reason with me, convincing me of its truth. I knew what was happening, but I was in denial. I wanted to forget about the present, and slip into the past, a place where life was ordinary, and I was not expected to be something other than myself.

  * * *

  “Giselle, don’t even think about peeking, ok?” Marc teased as he led me through a doorway.

  Laughing, I could not help but to feel completely in love with him. It was early September, the beginning of our final year of school, and life truly could not get any better. Marc was always very spontaneous with his gestures of love, and tonight was no exception.

  “I’m not.” I giggled like a little girl.

  One final step, and we stood still. The excitement got the best of me, and I slowly opened my eyes.

  “Oh, Marc!” I said in amazement.

  The Porter & Frye, the most luxurious restaurant in town, was empty except for two waiters who smiled exuberantly as Marc led me to a table laid out with rose petals. Candles were lit, and filled the empty tables around us. It was utterly romantic, and I melted into his arms.

  “I love you so much,” I whispered as I tenderly kissed him.

  “Easy, tiger,” he teased.

  “So, why all of this? Not that I’m complaining.”

  “Can’t a guy do something for the woman he loves without there being an ulterior motive?”

  “Well, you tell me.” I folded my arms, and waited for his perfect smile to spread across his face.

  I could not stop smiling. I swear my jaw ached, but it was impossible to stop. A waiter approached, and handed us a menu.

  “Okay, here’s the thing. We’re approaching the end of an era. You know, school and all, and I don’t want us to forget about the reasons we’re together. It’s you, and it’s always been you, and I refuse to let you forget that for a second. You’re my girl, G, and nothing is going to change that. Plus, my dad was owed a favour, and pulled a few strings.” He playfully winked at me.

  Marc had a way with words, and as we laughed, my heart felt as if it was ready to burst with the incredible feelings I had towards him. I was completely in love with him.

  I found it hard to resist. I was his. The hottest guy at school was mine, and nothing would get in the way of that.

  Ever.

  * * *

  The agony I felt was unbearable. My head spun in circles, and I found it hard not to wail. I saw Alex’s face as he sat by my side, the frown on his brow giving away his worry.

  “She needs to feed.” Atarah directed Afanas to the table.

  He bowed his head, and was gone in a flash, returning with a dagger in his hand that he held out to Alex.

  “Can we at least have some privacy this time?” His voice broke as he spoke to his mother.

  “Of course, if that is your will.”

  Atarah raised her hand to Alex’s face, and stroked his chin. He closed his eyes, and soon she and Afanas were gone, leaving Alex alone with me.

  I sat up, trying not to lose my balance. My he
ad was still light from the emptiness. With the dagger in his hand, he cut deeply into his neck, leaving a stream of thick scarlet flowing from the wound. The aroma was tantalizing, and I could not resist.

  Swiftly, I was on top of him, straddling his lap. I licked the line of blood, and desire burned deep within us. He pulled me closer to him, his hands firmly placed on my back. My mouth opened wider, and with voracity, I drank.

  I could feel Alex’s excitement as it swept through him, his blood awakening every cell in my body. The mutual lust we shared was something I had never experienced before. It made the transition all the more easier.

  If fate had played a part in this, then maybe I would adjust. Given time, I would learn to accept my role in my new life.

  Maybe.

  Chapter Five

  MY HEAD WAS still spinning from the rush when a tall man with dark short hair came to my side. He looked down at Alex and me. He did not speak. He stared until his attention was stirred by Atarah’s arrival. She looked angelical, her beauty like nothing I had ever seen before. Her deep brown eyes held the same allure as Alex’s, and I found it hard not to gasp when they changed momentarily, a deep red flushing away the charisma.

  I felt as though I was part of a freak show with the blood fresh on my lips leaving me exposed. Anger welled up inside me, and I wanted to scream. I did not understand the constant intrusions. So much was happening so fast, and I wanted to slow down.

  Alex wiped his neck as he stood up, and reached for my hand, helping me to my feet. I looked at him, waiting for some kind of explanation, only to be faced with silence.

  Atarah broke the obvious tension. “Do not be alarmed by Leonid’s presence. He was eager to meet you, Giselle.”

  I looked at the large man standing in front of me. His eyes were unlike Alex’s. They were cold and mean. He was undoubtedly beautiful. His well-formed body and his face were picture perfect. I never imagined Alex’s father to be so young and attractive. I blushed at my thoughts, convinced that everyone would know what I was thinking.

  “Father,” Alex said through gritted teeth.

  “Alexander, I believe there is much excitement surrounding your new mate. However, I’m concerned that you have been neglecting your own well-being by allowing her to feed so ravenously from you.”

  Leonid eyed me with disapproval, and I wanted to curl up, and cry like a baby. There was something disconcerting about his presence, and it didn’t help the already tense situation.

  “Father, it was I who insisted that she feed from me. I do not like the thought of her relying on other sources. I am fine,” Alex snapped back.

  “I think you misunderstand me. I forbid you to be her only source. You have a glamorised vision that the pair of you can feed off of each other without consequences.” He paced back and forth, his eyes darkening with anger.

  Alex walked past his mother with clenched fists. “You cannot forbid something that is already at work. I can feel our bond strengthening. By the next full moon, Giselle will have completed the third phase, and will be my mate. We will share the blood oath, and we will be equals!” Alex smiled at me, his fangs glistening in the dimly lit room.

  Leonid laughed raucously. “Son, you have much to learn. She is a new breed of vampire, one whose heart still beats. She, unlike you, cannot withstand the blood loss. Remember, she is unaware of her true desires. Spiritual vampires desire the life energy of their victims. The blood is just a bonus. You risk much more than your own existence. Her creation is for the future of our kind, not just as your soul mate. You will do as I say. That is my final word on the matter.” He finished, momentarily glancing over at me as he left the room.

  I could feel Alex’s anger as he flipped the table over. In all the time I had known him, I had never seen so much rage. He scared me. This was not the boy I had considered to be my best friend; this was something else. Standing with my back against the wall, I did not dare to move. I simply watched as he tore the room apart.

  Atarah turned her back on him, and looked me in the eye. “It’s times like this when you realise the animal still lurks deep within one’s heart. He does not command the experience to control his raw emotions. He is young, like you, and has yet to learn that things cannot be rushed. You will do as Leonid instructed, but if you were to, let’s say, offer yourself to Alexander, he might see things differently. Your blood might rationalize his displeasure,” she whispered as she placed a finger over her lips.

  Choking on my own saliva, I swallowed hard. Offer myself to Alex? God, I did not want to use some dagger to cut myself or, worse, let him bite me. Hell, I didn’t want to see my own blood. It grossed me out.

  Leaving the room, Atarah looked back at me, and winked. The moment felt surreal. I could not believe she wanted me to ignore Leonid’s orders, and let Alex feed from me.

  Crap!

  Alex was still breathing hard as I approached him. His eyes were a deep red colour, and his hair was wet with sweat. “Alex . . .” I started, my voice shaking. “Please stop. You’re kinda scaring the hell out of me, and . . .”

  “Giselle, please, just don’t!”

  He hurried out of the room. I ran after him into the cool air. Sunrise was approaching, and the blue haze of morning was mixed with orange. I did not know if it was possible for me to be outside, and then I remembered, Alex never shied away from the sun back home. I thought vampires were afraid of the sunlight?

  A tinge of excitement ran through me as I called after him. “Alex, wait.”

  Ignoring me, he walked faster, all the while clenching his fists.

  “Alex, would you cut this out? I’m tired, and I haven’t got a clue as to what the hell is happening here. Please!”

  He stopped, and turned to face me. “Giselle, I’m afraid my father is right. You cannot rely on me. You’re not strong enough to withstand the blood loss.”

  “Hold up. You said we’d feed only off of each other. Why the sudden change of heart?”

  “Because I was being selfish. I wanted you to myself, and I was wrong.” His voice saddened, but his eyes remained glazed and cold.

  “I don’t get it. I mean, all that stuff you said earlier, was that just bullshit?”

  “Of course not. We will be bound by blood. But Giselle, I’m not sure I’ve explained what will become of us.”

  “Then tell me, please!”

  The morning light began to shine through the canopy of the trees, its amber glow a welcome sight. Birds began to sporadically sing their morning song, and for a split second, it was a beautiful sight. We sat amongst the trees, the beam of light illuminating Alex’s pale skin.

  “For centuries, vampires have co-existed with different lairs, each one abiding by ancient rules. Unfortunately, my family have been subjected to centuries of disrespect and violence. The Nelapsi, our mother herd, was responsible for sowing the seeds of chaos amongst our people, resulting in a revolt amongst the elders. Many chose different paths. Others abdicated their birthright. Do you follow?”

  I nodded my head, a little confused, but none-the-less interested.

  “The elders believe that a child born from the union of a male vampire and female human will result in a change of heart among the Kindred. It would dispel any rumour concerning our attitude towards humans. We are not our ancestors.”

  “Err, how can I . . . I mean, I’m not ready for babies, never mind life as a vampire-come-human. I mean, how can we? You’re like soulless, right?” I asked, frustrated.

  “Yes, I’m soulless, and slightly different, but all my ‘boy bits’ work exactly like any other guy out there.”

  Oh, my God! We were actually having this conversation!

  “If that’s the case, why did you bite me in the first place?”

  “Because if you were to carry my child, you would need the sustenance of another source. Your human body alone would not be enough for the unborn. My venom was enough to kick-start the transition, and nothing more.”

  “Oh, great, so I’m to
be some kind of glorified incubator?”

  Alex knelt in front of me, not giving me time to respond. “Giselle, you are much more than that. You are everything to me, and I only wish you could feel the same way. I know you will never love me the way you loved Marc, but given time, I believe you can learn to offer me something in return.”

  “Alex, I can’t see me doing this. I don’t know how I’m meant to understand any of this. I’m just an ordinary girl with simple dreams. This life . . . it’s wrong.”

  “You have no other choice. We are obligated to produce, and that is something that cannot be changed.”

  Sometimes, when I get angry, I feel the urge to scream and yell like some crazed woman from one of those Hammer horror movies. Now was one of those times.

  Not holding back, I punched him hard in the face. I had caught him off guard, and he fell back slightly, but I was really no match for him. In seconds, he had me defeated. I lay on the ground with his heavy torso across mine, his face inches from my own. I refused to look him in the eye.

  “If you’re going to bite me, just get it over with,” I provoked him through gritted teeth.

  Alex moved his face closer to mine, placing his free hand on my throat. He tightened his grip, and kissed me firmly on the lips. I tried not to respond, but temptation got the better of me. I found myself drowning in the warmth of his kiss, the air between us becoming thinner, and something more intense took over my body. I pulled him closer to me, drawing my leg up against his thigh. I could feel every inch of his body pressing against mine. I was so turned on that I forgot about my anger, and let myself go. Running my fingers through his hair, my tongue passionately caressed his lips, and my nails ran roughly down his bare back.

  Alex did not give me a chance to breathe. He moved his mouth closer to my neck, biting down sharply, leaving me gasping from the mixture of pain and pleasure. The rush that soon followed was more intense than the first time he bit me. This was pure joy. I could feel him grinding hard against me, and soon I reached a climax that left my entire body shaking. I was completely exhilarated, and definitely on a high.